30 Day Challenge Reboot

So if you actually read this on a regular basis, you may remember last September my friend Amanda and I decided to start a 30 day challenge together. Since we're separated by half a country, it was to be a way to keep in touch and to form a buddy system so we could both achieve goals that would lend to overall healthier living. But what started out as just the two of us kind of... grew. We created a facebook group and by the time the beginning of the month rolled around we had about 10 or so participants from among our friends and family!

Unfortunately last time around, two days before the end of the month some friends and I were involved in a car accident and I was unable to finish the challenge. I was super bummed about that for quite a while. And then due to one thing or another and other injuries, I haven't really been able to maintain a regular workout schedule since. At this point though I've recovered fairly well and am anxious to get going again!

For September, Amanda and I attempted 30 days of yoga. It was an amazing, strengthening and eye opening experience. I learned a lot about my limits, how to push them, AND how to do a headstand! This time my overall goal was just to be healthier and in better physical shape. I don't give a crap about the number on the scale. I'm not setting out to loose weight. It may happen, it may not. What I REALLY want is to get rid of this belly! Lol ;) Basically, the goal is to burn fat. And what's one of the fastest ways to burn fat??? RUNNING! I used to do cross country in high school but haven't really run seriously since. It would be a lie if I told you I liked running. I like what you get FROM running. And after you get over that initial OMG I'M GONNA DIE phase its not too bad overall. I plan on mixing it up with cross training so it won't be all running all the time. But so as to have something to actually shoot for...

I'M GONNA DO THIS!!!

Going "Couch to 5K" in one month might seem a bit drastic. And maybe it is but... I think I can do it! Correction: I'm going to do it! I've found a training schedule that happened to fit exactly what I wanted here. Basically it consists of running 3 days a week, cross training 2 days, and resting 2 days. You build up gradually instead of just jumping right in. I plan to combine this routine with biking and yoga for my cross training days. I might not finish the race with any great deal of speed... But by the end of May I will be in the shape to finish it!

My deployment countdown calendar will be doing double duty this month with the addition of the challenge. I've placed a sticky over each date with the day's activity written on it. So, in order to mark off the day for my countdown I will have to perform the listed task to remove the sticky! I've also got the training schedule posted below the month so I can cross off the workouts as I accomplish them. Now, the world isn't going to end if I don't follow this system... but its a visible method of self accountability. I'm a very visual person; I need calendars and countdowns and lists... Otherwise I go insane.

 

AND, I'm also going to ATTEMPT to turn this crazy beast into my running buddy.

This may be the most challenging part of the whole thing.

She's definitely a runner. She just tends to think I'm too slow and that it would just work better in general if she just pulled me along. Lol. Gotta love sled dogs...

Anyway, that's all I've got for now. I shall leave you with this thought:

 (and only 21 days to create a habit!)

Tomorrow is Day 1.

LET THE CHALLENGE BEGIN!

-Lindsey

Deployment Bucket List: Decorating the Master Bathroom

So we've lived in our house now about a year and a half... And I have yet to finish decorating all the rooms. So I've decided that while I've got so much extra free time over the next few months, that one of my goals will be to get it all done up and pretty before Charles gets home. So far so good. Week 1 I attacked the master bath!

BEFORE:

Ew. I call this 'Builder Beige' since the whole house was done in this color when it was built. Walls AND ceiling. And it was flat paint. Who the heck uses flat paint in a bathroom?!? The walls practically drank up the water. Also, I really hate beige.

STEP 1: Differentiate between walls and ceiling

Even just painting the ceiling white made a huge difference in the way the room felt. It felt much taller and less I'm-trapped-in-a-cardboard-box-esque.

STEP 2: The Color Reveal!!!

I feel like I'm on 'Trading Spaces'. Anyone remember that show? Frank was my fav.

(Also, just a suggestion: Use AT LEAST a semigloss paint in kitchens and bathrooms. I've used a gloss here. Gloss paint is so much easier to clean up when things splatter on the walls, it repels water and stains, and it reflects LOTS of light which is super useful in such high traffic rooms!)

Aaaaaand here it goes on the wall!

STEP 3: Paint ENIRE ROOM!!!

Gorgeous, yes!? It only took two coats! AND I got in all of the movie "Easy A" while I waited for the paint to dry :D

STEP 4: DECORATE!!!

VOILA! Finished product!

I wanted to get a very calming, spa kind of feeling. So I went with this very light and clean springy green and a light steely gray to compliment all of the fixtures in the room. Really loved how it turned out! I also took down the hand towel ring that was on the wall to the left of the vanity and replaced it with a couple of green glass shelves for extra storage. It seemed kind of stupid to have one towel ring for two sinks anyway, so instead I installed a couple command hooks at counter height on either side of the vanity so we can actually both have a towel now!

I smile every time I walk in here now and I'm so glad to finally have gotten rid of that nasty beige color! (Now to eradicate it from my bedroom...) Its so amazing what a difference a little paint can make :)

 Can't wait for my hubby to come home and see how handy I was!

 :D

-Lindsey

Confessions of a Socially Awkward Military Spouse

Hello, My name is Lindsey... and I have issues. lol...

Seriously though...

 
 
A huge part of military life is the social occasions. I love my life and I wouldn't trade it for a second... But in a world where friendships and alliances are formed and forged at lightning speed (Because, well, you have to. Who knows how long you'll be here?!) I feel I'm at a distinct disadvantage. Perhaps even more so now when my husband (read: security blanket) is so far away. When your one steadfast anchor to the real world is suddenly missing, whats a girl to do?

There's a lot of things people don't talk about. It just seems to be a general societal rule that when one is "different" one doesn't point out these differences to the masses. I have, however, reached the point where I don't feel like I really have a choice. I mean, I do. You always do. But choosing to isolate myself further doesn't seem like the smartest choice to me. And so, I've got a confession of sorts. For the people that don't really know me, or I have only met in passing- perhaps this will afford you some insight. And even people that do know me may not necessarily know all the details. 

Social anxiety. Its a real thing, guys. And I've got it. I feel ridiculously nervous in social situations. Meeting new people. Large crowds. Not my cup of tea. And in this life, this military life, this transient ever-changing life... you meet a lot of new people. A. Lot. And there are unavoidable social functions at which there will inevitably be lots of people. Lots of people that you will then have to meet. To be quite honest with you, this freaks me the crap out. And would you believe I'm about a million times better than I used to be? I've been working on it. Really and truly. And yet I know that the majority of that effort is not visible from the outside. My husband's support has been my lifeline. Making the jump into a military lifestyle would not have been possible for me without him by my side (Moving half way across the country away from everything I've ever known!? Are you freaking kidding me?!). But, as will happen with the military, he will leave. And he has. Now what do I do? 

This. This is what I've chosen to do. Putting this out there for you guys, even virtually, is an incredibly difficult step for me to take. I am afraid. But I am also tired. And I need help.

Social anxiety is not a readily visible condition. Often people who have it are perceived as stuck up instead of cripplingly shy. I can attest to it, I have experienced it. This is a horrible truth to face. Believe me. It is incredibly painful to know you are seen this way. And I know that I am. 

To anyone and everyone that has actually gotten this far down the page (I put in lots of pictures to break up the awkward... did it help?) and is still reading: I do not hate you. I don't think I've ever really hated anyone really. I probably don't even dislike you. Its actually quite probable that I think you're pretty nice and would like to talk to you. I just don't know how. Thus, it is pretty difficult for me to make close friends. Especially as quickly as the military world moves. If I ever seem normal... Thank you for noticing. I assure you I'm trying REALLY hard and I'm glad its working.

However, when I do not make eye contact or when I drop my side of a conversation... Its not because I do not want to talk to you. I seriously just don't know what to say. My brain is in over load and I cannot form and spit out one cohesive thought. I do not know why this happens... It just does.

When I sit by myself and do not seek out interaction or conversation with others, its not because I'm bored. Its not because I don't want to be there. Its because I truly feel I have nothing interesting to contribute. I wouldn't know where to begin. What to say. What not to say. Who in the world would want to talk to me anyway, I'm the most boring person on the planet?! Yes. I know its illogical. Yes. I know its an overreaction. Yet I still don't know what to do with myself.

To people with kids: I do not hate you. I do not hate your kids. I do not hate you because you have kids. If it seems like I'm avoiding you... its probably because I just wouldn't know what to do with the wiggly little thing. I really have nothing against kids in general. I just have no idea how to interact with them. And being thrust into the time of life when the majority of your peers are having kids left and right... Its awkward. I'm not ready for that part of my life and I feel like that has created an unbreachable gulf between me and... well... most of the people with whom I would ever conceivably have contact. Also, I'm convinced kids can smell fear. Ok, I'm kidding. But also not really...

So why am I telling you this? Why am I baring my soul to the entire internets? What do I expect? Well... nothing really. I don't expect everyone to understand. Or even to care for that matter. I don't expect anyone to make a special effort on my account. But, on the offside chance anyone is reading this... I just hope that after reading... that someone on the outside will at least consider the idea that I'm not the terrible awful mean person I believe people think that I am... that you will know that contrary to the observable evidence before you, that I do not hate you. Or anyone. 

And I'm going to go ahead and make the make the egotistical assumption that I cannot be the only one that feels this way. Military spouse or otherwise. I hope that should one of those people happen to read this, they will know they are not alone in their struggle. And I hope that that will give them hope. Perhaps we can band together and celebrate our mutual awkwardness. After all... If everyone is "different", then no one is really. Right?

Thanks for reading.

-Lindsey

See ya later, alligator...

This will be my only post this week.

(At least I'm still making one right? Hurray for goals)

We will be getting ready for deployment.

(As if there's actually possibly ever a way to be 'ready')

See you sometime next week.

 (Maybe)

<3

Lindsey

Behind the Scenes: Product Photography without a Home Studio

Hey Hey!

Second post this week! I'm on a roll!

Got another DIYish type post for ya! With any home business that sells primarily online, product photography is a big deal. If people can't touch and hold your product, you've got to make them feel like they can with your photos! 

It may seem like you need lots of fancy equipment for this. I thought so too, but I promise you don't! I'm no expert by a long stretch and I'm still on the learning curve myself. Really, I'm just making this up as I go along, but the results just keep getting better! I've done lots of research and read lots of articles and such and I'd like to pass on some of those tips to you! So if you don't have a swanky home studio with all those nifty gadgets, FEAR NOT! Awesome pics are still within reach!

First off, all product images I will show you were taken with this camera. Simple point and shoot. No fancy gadgets. And at this point its... at least 5 or so years old? Probably more.

One of the most exciting things I've learned so far is how to make my own light tent. These are great for small object photography but buying one retail can cost you some major bucks. To make this one, I think I spent a grand total of like $5 for the fabric and paper inside. I already had a suitable box and tape laying around the house. I also already had the lamp I use to light it. 

I followed this awesome tutorial: How to Make an Inexpensive Light Tent - DIY

And here's the result!

I was so excited when I was done I had to try it out! I grabbed the nearest object at hand (happened to be a pair of scissors) and my phone (who knows where the camera was hiding...). This is what I got. Like I said, quick snap with my phone cam and absolutely no editing and it already looks pretty amazing!

 

To show you the difference something like this can make in your product photography, here's an example. The photo on the left is how I started off shooting my product. Fairly simple background, so its not terrible... but the coloring was never quite right and there were often awkward shadows that were hard to get rid of. And, even though there's not much going on in the background, it still distracts some from the necklace.

The photo on the right is a re-shoot I did yesterday in the light tent. Same necklace, same stand. (Plus the seashell. Props are fun!) See the difference?!?  It looks soooooo much more professional and really focuses on the product. The first thing you see is the necklace. Not the top of my desk and the texture of the wall. It's still not perfect, I'm still experimenting on exactly how to light my tent, but its a BAZILLION times better!

See this necklace here

Before.......................................AFTER! :D

You can also change out the background (paper) inside your box for different looks! Colors, patterns and textures galore! Experiment to see what makes your items POP!

Check out these articles on Etsy for more before and after shots, tips and ideas for product photography! Etsy Success: Product Photography for Beginners & Before and After with Etsy's Old Timers & Full-Timers & Shop Makeover Series: Feature Friendly Photos

A second really exciting thing I've come up with for my product photography is a "set" to photograph "models" wearing my jewelry. And by "set" I mean a couple curtains slung up between a couple doors. And by "models" I mean... me. Anyhoo, here's the basic set up below.

Pretty snazzy right!? Yeah, I know. Shut up. Really that's it though. It doesn't look like much but carving out this little spot in my "studio", like chopping up a cardboard box, made all the difference. And! BONUS! It was free. Everything you see in the picture were things I already had. Nothing new. No money spent. That's the truly amazing bit. The second most amazing bit?

view here                                      necklace & earrings 

   Going from this.....  ...................to this!              

In the photo on the left I'm sitting in front of a blank wall literally holding the camera out in front of me. Profile pic, yo! And yes, this photo is still up on my site. Don't judge me. I'm working on replacements. Lol. Anyway, the photo on the right is from my latest photo sesh with my set. Again, both me and both taken with the same camera. Crazy, yes?! I'm slowly working my way to replacing all my old icky photos with awesome ones like these!

For more inspiration, here's a fun video about model photography which I found quite helpful: How to Take Photos Using Models

The Etsy Seller Handbook has tons of great articles and tips for all subjects related to small business online sales.

You can also cheek out these items and more at my etsy shop!

Thanks for reading! 

-Lindsey :)

DIY Jewelry Display Cards

Hello! 

I'm back! Just like I said I would be! :) 

I'm as surprised as you are! Lol :)

Anyhoo, I've been trying to work out my packaging for my jewelry for a while now. I've been shopping around trying to find earring cards that I liked. Didn't want just plain ones but any of the decorated ones just didn't seem to fit my shop. In the end I decided to try and make my own so I started experimenting. Here's what I came up with:

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN JEWELRY DISPLAY CARDS:

I knew I needed some kind of heavy weight paper or light weight cardboard. I couldn't find anything really satisfactory at Hobby Lobby (Gasp!) which made me tre sad. In the end I came home and dug through my art supplies and came up with a pad of water color paper. Pretty sturdy. Figured it was as good a place as any to start.

But white? No. That won't do. I wanted them to be bright and colorful to go with the rest of my shop identity. I thought of using inks... buuuuut nice colored inks are kinda 'spensive. Solution? Make my own. But with what? Watercolors, duh. Watercolors on watercolor paper? It's ridiculous how long it took me to think of that. 

Formula:

tube watercolors + cheapo mini spray bottles + water = SPRAYABLE WATERCOLOR INKS!

Just squeeze a few blobs of paint into the water-filled spray bottles and SHAKE! These yellows were are pretty light colors so it took a good bit of paint to get to the color I wanted. Darker colors might need less. I just kept adding, shaking and testing till I got the color I wanted. 

Next? Pull out the paper and spray! Spray! Spray! (be sure to cover your surface. It's water soluble but still messy!) Comes out looking something like this: 

 

After spraying several sheets I left them to dry. Wet paper has a tendency to curl though, so after they dried I pressed them between a couple heavy books over night which worked pretty well to flatten them out. 

Next day I pulled out the good 'ole paper slicer and my corner punch. I cut the paper down to 2x3 inch pieces with fit quite nicely inside my earring boxes. I rounded off the corners with my punch more or less cuz I thought it looked better.

(Ugly carpet shot! I have work surfaces... but I still

tend to do a lot of crafting sprawled in the floor...)

Not done yet though! They were still too plain for my taste so I pulled out my tool box o' stamps and added a little design.

 Then just use a small hole punch and voila! Custom earring cards!  I think they came out pretty neat :)

They also work well with necklaces if you cut a slit from the punched hole to the side of the card so you can slip the chain in. If you needed to hang them you could just add another larger hole punch in the top center of the card!

 Tie it up with a bit of coordinating yarn and they're all packed up and ready to go to their new home!

 Hope you enjoyed! 

xo

Lindsey :)

The customer is always right!

Alright guys, I did. I dropped the ball on this whole blog thing. Been quite a while since I've posted but I'm going to have a lot more free time in a couple weeks so I'm wanting to get back to it! Going to shoot for (I wouldn't risk holding my breath if I were you..) at least one weekly post.

I've got a lot to share now that I'm getting deeper into this running my own shop thing. Should be a lot of fun stuff there. I've also got a bunch of DIY around the house kind of projects in mind, so I will share those as well. And, ya know, whatever else happens to cross my mind when I sit down to talk to you :)

Anyway, I thought a great way to revive and reboot this blog would be to feature some awesome feedback I just received from a very satisfied customer! I'd been working on a custom set of earrings and a necklace for a very nice lady in her college colors so she can show off her team pride come football season!

Results were as follows:

 

The necklace and earrings are made from fire polished Czech

glass beads and sterling silver plated beads and findings.

After receiving her order, I got this glowing email from Deb:

"Hi Lindsey,

Received my delivery and the set is just AMAZING.

You definitely have some talent. Keep up the good work and thanks for making these special items for me."

And here is the lovely lady showing off her new jewels!

Makes me :D like a crazy! In case you're wondering... I love doing custom orders! Collaboration is one of the best things about art. Its always wonderful to get a new perspective and new ideas to keep you fresh! Custom jewelry. Custom artwork. If you've got an idea- Bring it on!

Lots of love and sunshine to you all on this manic Monday. Hope yours is going as well as mine!

-Lindsey :)